How to Replace Your Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driver License

What you need to do right now

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver license, you will visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person. If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police — this creates a record in case someone tries to use it fraudulently, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Most states let you replace a license in person at a DMV office, and some allow you to start the process online or by mail. The fastest route is almost always in person, because you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within one to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

You will need a government-issued ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof you live at your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to replace your license.
The replacement fee varies by state, usually between $20 and $50, and is different from the cost of a regular renewal.
If your license was stolen, file a police report to create a record, though this is separate from the DMV replacement process.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after your visit and the permanent plastic card arrives by mail in one to three weeks.
Some states allow you to order a replacement online or by mail, but in-person visits are faster and avoid delays from missing documents.

Documents you need to bring

Your state's DMV will ask for two things: proof of identity and proof of your current address. Proof of identity means a government-issued photo ID — a passport, birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID. If you lost your license and have no other photo ID, a birth certificate alone will work, though the process may take longer because staff will need to verify your identity another way.

Proof of address means a recent document showing your name and where you live. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you recently moved and your documents show an old address, bring both the old document and a new one, or bring a lease and a utility bill together. Do not assume your old license counts as proof of address — it does not, because it is the document you are replacing.

If you are replacing a damaged license, bring the damaged card itself. The DMV will keep it and issue a replacement. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not have the card to bring, and that is fine — just tell the staff member at the counter.

The replacement fee and what it covers

A replacement license costs less than a full renewal in most states, but the exact amount varies. Replacement fees typically range from $20 to $50. This is a one-time fee that covers the cost of producing and mailing your new card. Some states charge the same fee whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged; others charge slightly more if it was stolen.

Payment methods at the DMV are usually cash, debit card, or credit card, though some offices accept only certain methods. Call your local DMV office before you go if you want to confirm what they take. The fee covers only the replacement card itself — if you also need to update your address, change your name, or correct information on your license, those changes may have additional costs or require a separate transaction.

How to replace your license in person

Walk into your nearest DMV office during business hours with your documents and fee. You will likely take a number and wait, then speak with a staff member at the counter. Tell them you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. They will ask you to verify your name, date of birth, and address, and will take a new photo of you. The photo will be used on your replacement card.

After your photo is taken, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your permanent card arrives. Your plastic license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within one to three weeks. If you move before it arrives, contact the DMV to update your address so the card is sent to the right place.

Some DMV offices are busier than others. If you want to avoid a long wait, call ahead or check your state's DMV website to see if they offer online appointment booking. Many states now let you reserve a time slot, which can cut your wait time from an hour to 15 minutes.

Replacing your license by mail or online

Some states let you request a replacement license by mail or through an online portal without visiting an office in person. This option is usually available only if your license was lost or damaged — not if it was stolen, because the DMV wants to verify your identity in person for security reasons. Check your state's DMV website to see if mail or online replacement is an option where you live.

If you replace by mail, you will mail in your documents, a completed form, and a check or money order for the fee. The DMV will process your request and mail your new license to you. This takes longer than in-person replacement — usually four to six weeks total — because the mail adds time on both ends. You will not receive a temporary paper license, so you cannot drive legally until your permanent card arrives. For this reason, in-person replacement is almost always faster if you need to drive soon.

Online replacement, where available, is faster than mail. You upload photos of your documents, pay the fee by card, and receive a temporary digital license or paper license by email that you can print. Your permanent card still arrives by mail in one to three weeks. Not all states offer this yet, so check your DMV's website first.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you have an extra step: file a police report. This is not required to get a replacement from the DMV, but it creates an official record in case someone tries to use your stolen license to commit fraud or open accounts in your name. You can file a report online through your local police department's website, by phone, or in person at a police station. Keep a copy of the report number for your records.

After you file the report, follow the same replacement process at the DMV. Some states ask you to bring a copy of the police report when you explore for a replacement; others do not. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask whether they want to see it. The police report does not speed up the DMV process, but it does protect you if your stolen license is used fraudulently later.

What happens while you wait for your new card

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving as soon as you receive it. Keep it with you whenever you drive, along with your proof of identity. Police will accept it as a valid license during a traffic stop. The temporary is valid until your permanent plastic card arrives, which usually takes one to three weeks depending on your state's mail processing time.

If your permanent card does not arrive within four weeks, contact your DMV. Delays can happen if the card was sent to an old address, if there was a processing error, or if mail was lost. The DMV can reprint and resend your card, though this may take another two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your card arrives and your temporary has expired, you can request an extension or visit the DMV again to get another temporary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license?

Yes. The temporary paper license is a valid, legal license for driving. Keep it with you at all times while driving, just as you would your plastic license. It is valid until your permanent card arrives by mail.

What if I moved after I lost my license?

Tell the DMV staff your new address when you explore for the replacement. Your new license will be mailed to your current address. If you forget to update it at the DMV and the card is mailed to an old address, contact the DMV when ready and they can reissue it to the correct address.

Do I have to replace my license in person, or can I do it entirely by mail?

It depends on your state and whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. Some states allow mail replacement for lost or damaged licenses, but most require an in-person visit if the license was stolen. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm what is available where you live.

Will my replacement license have the same number as my old one?

Yes. Your license number stays the same when you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card. The new card is a duplicate of the old one with the same number, expiration date, and information — only the photo and card itself are new.

What if my address or name has changed since I got my old license?

You can update your address or name at the same time you replace your license. Tell the DMV staff when you arrive. There may be an additional fee for a name change, and you may need to bring extra documents (like a marriage certificate for a name change). Ask the DMV what you need before you visit.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.